ST. MARY PARISH, LA. 

Obituary for: RANDAZZO, THOMAS "TOM" MICHAEL, SR.

Submitted by: Louis Lavedan. 

Source: Iberts Mortuary, Inc. Franklin, LA 70538

Died: Wednesday, April 27, 2016

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RANDAZZO, THOMAS "TOM" MICHAEL, SR.
May 16, 1921 - April 27, 2016

Thomas "Tom" Michael Randazzo Sr. passed away at his home in Franklin at the 
age of 94 on Wednesday, April 27, 2016.

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Tom was born in Franklin on May 16, 1921 to the late Sam Randazzo Sr. and the 
late Annie Lanza Randazzo. He was a veteran of the United States Army having 
served during World War II in Europe as a Platoon Sergeant. Tom was present 
during the Normandy Campaign as well as the Parade in Paris following its 
liberation from Nazi Germany. He then went on to fight in the largest and 
bloodiest battle fought by the United States during World War II, the Battle of 
the Bulge, in the densely forested Ardennes. It was during this battle that Tom 
was shot. He would eventually be sent back to the States where he went through 
several surgeries and recovery at Brooke Convalescent Hospital (now Brooke Army 
Medical Center) at Fort Sam Houston, TX and received the Purple Heart and the 
EAME Service Medal.

In 1949 Tom married the love of his life, Jacquelyn Henderson, and was a loving 
and devoted husband, living out their marriage vows for 57 years, taking care 
of her during her many years of illness until her passing in 2006. He was a 
lifetime member of the VFW Post 4201 in Franklin and was very proud of having 
served his fellow man and his country. 
One of his favorite pastimes was playing his guitars, a Gold Tone and a Chet 
Atkins Special. He was a member of a local band named the Veterans Three, 
playing at local nursing homes, senior centers, parties, and other venues. He 
also enjoyed going out to eat, playing cards with friends, and going to the 
casino to "drop a few bucks." Everyone knew him as the man who drove the two-
tone blue 1982 GMC Caballero.

Survivors include three grandchildren, Michael Randazzo, Matthew Richard, and 
Steven Richard, and their families; 14 great grandchildren, Jacqueline, Gordon, 
Ellen, Heather, Meagan, Jamie, Shane, Alex-Kaye, Brandon, Tiffani, Jeremy, 
Chelsea, Haylea, and Morgan; numerous great grandchildren; nieces and nephews, 
Judy Polito and husband Sammy, Josie Hanagriff and husband Billy, Betty Legnon, 
and Rodney Dupuis and wife Mary Jane; and grandnephews, Kevin Polito and wife 
Morgan and Christopher Legnon.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jacquelyn "Jackie" Henderson Randazzo; 
his son, Thomas Randazzo Jr.; one grandson, Harold Richard Jr.; his parents, 
Sam Randazzo Sr. and Annie Lanza Randazzo; two brothers, Sam Randazzo Jr. and 
Camille Randazzo; and three sisters, Carrie Jacquillard, Lena Dupre, and 
Katherine Jones, and their spouses.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Monday, May 2, at Ibert's 
Mortuary in Franklin from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., with a Remembrance Service 
at 7:00 p.m. Visitations will resume Tuesday at the Church of the Assumption at 
9:00 a.m. with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 10:00 a.m. At 11:00 a.m. a 
Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated, with Father Lloyd Benoit 
officiating. 

He will be laid to rest with his wife in the Franklin Cemetery Mausoleum with 
Military Honors. 

Serving as pallbearers will be Sam Polito, Michael Randazzo, Rodney Dupuis, 
Steven Richard, Brandon Richard, and Clarence Dupre. Honorary pallbearers will 
be Christopher Legnon and Ted Foulcard.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Roland Degeyter 
and staff, Franklin Foundation Hospital and staff, Heart of Hospice, and his 
caregivers, Alice, Gwen, and Kiserra for the loving and compassionate care 
given to Mr. Tom during his illness.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert's Mortuary, Inc., 1007 Main Street, 
Franklin, LA 

US Army
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